Set the scene.
Picture this: It’s a hybrid workday, and you’re commuting into the buzzing, high-energy streets of Midtown Manhattan for your Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday office routine—America’s new standard for the modern workplace. As you plan a late-afternoon lunch meeting, two priorities guide your search: proximity to Penn Station for an easy commute home and an ambiance that’s sure to impress your client (because when they’re happy, so are you).
Enter Catria Cucina, an Italian-inspired restaurant near Hudson Yards that masterfully blends Manhattan’s polished workday energy with the effortless elegance of coastal Italy. The 80-seat dining room features contemporary design touches: plush blue-green velvet seating, sleek brown wooden tabletops, and warm neutral accents. An overhead atrium, adorned with lush greenery, creates an indoor-outdoor feel that elevates the entire dining experience.
What can we expect from the food?
Under the direction of Chef Kyle Puchir, the cuisine at Catria Cucina draws inspiration from the Adriatic Coast, particularly Italy’s Marche region, reimagining traditional recipes incorporating meat, seafood, and savory flavors with a modern flair.
The insalata and primi menu categories explore Southern Italian influences more deeply, offering dishes like artichoke salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, shaved pecorino, and teardrop peppers. For a standout entrée, the Risotto Vongole masterfully combines risotto, cacio e pepe, and baked clams into a single, harmonious dish.
Meanwhile, the secondi section pays homage to Italy’s rustic, protein-forward traditions with a curated selection of premium meat and seafood dishes reminiscent of a classic Italian steakhouse. Highlights include the nine-ounce Bistecca Roma skirt steak, served with salsa verde and arugula, and the perfectly salted Branzino Siciliana, topped with capers and zucchini.
To wrap up with dessert, the eatery wins you over with its zeppole—light, sugar-dusted fried donuts served with a velvety melted chocolate dipping sauce that practically melts in your mouth. (Pro tip: Enjoy them fresh and warm for the full magic, as they lose their charm once cooled—a lesson we learned firsthand during a packed day of meetings and crafting all things travel here at HAP.)
Tell us about the drinks.
Just as the Italians do, Catria Cucina pairs its dishes with thoughtfully selected wines and beverages—because the best drinks are meant to enhance great food. Craft cocktails and regional wines are carefully curated to complement the flavors of each dish. The spritz menu is a top-tier, showcasing classics like Aperol, limoncello, and Hugo spritzes, alongside their special creation, the Rosolio—a vibrant blend of Italicus, Beefeater Gin, fresh lemon, raspberry, and prosecco. Each sip offers guests a taste of the Italian Riviera, delivering a refreshing escape in every glass. If you’re craving something with a bit more kick, we recommend trying one of their inventive negronis, like the Sbagliato, made with Campari, Carpano Antica, and prosecco.
Final thoughts?
When you’re craving a late lunch or a dinner with live music near your Midtown office—and need a spot conveniently close to the train station for an easy post-work escape—Catria Cucina should top your list. With its prime location, exceptional cuisine, and elevated ambiance, it’s the perfect choice for a seamless blend of convenience and sophistication.
Top Takeaways
Location: Hudson Yards/Midtown West, New York City
Address: 461 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Cuisine: Italian
The vibe: A classy Italian-inspired eatery nestled near Midtown Manhattan’s Hudson Yards.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – OpenTable
Our favorite dish on the menu: The homemade Garganelli Limone pasta—a divine dish tossed with cracked pepper and parmesan cheese. Because honestly, what’s better than indulging in pasta for lunch?
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
